Ireland, as a cruising ground for motor boats and yachts alike, has been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years. Yet the foremost Irish sailing association, the Irish Cruising Club, remains limited to 550 members.

The Cruising Association of Ireland aims to promote sailing and boating in Ireland and ensure the development of facilities for its members and visiting boats.

A steering committee has been formed, with members of the Dun Laoghaire Clubs, The Royal Cork, & Galway Bay Sailing Club, and three members of Howth, working hard to establish the Association. The Steering Committee first met in Howth, and then at the Boat Show, and the first general meeting of the CAI has now been held and the association is formally in existence.

The Association will be a virtual one, with all communications through the Internet. Members can join online and will be able to search useful cruising information from the site’s resources.

The annual subscription will be 30 Euros. And is open to all members of the I.S.A. and R.Y.A. For more information, visit www.cruising associationofireland.com